Ottawa, November 12, 2013 — Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, announced the fifth call for terrorism-focused research proposals through the Kanishka Project. The Government of Canada has committed $10 million over five years to this initiative as a way to honour the memory of the victims of the bombing of Air India Flight 182.
“Terrorism and violent extremism are global threats and Canada is not immune. In addition to the important work we undertake in community outreach, law enforcement, intelligence gathering, and criminal prosecutions, we continue to look for new, innovative ways to keep Canadians safe from this evolving threat,” said Minister Blaney. “The Kanishka Project is providing concrete tools that will help to prevent and counter violent extremism. We remain committed to the safety and security of Canada, and of all Canadians.”
On June 23, 2011, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the Kanishka Project, an initiative named after the Air India Flight 182 plane that was bombed on June 23, 1985, killing 329 people, most of them Canadians. Research supported by the Project is increasing our understanding of the recruitment methods and tactics of terrorists, and helping produce more effective policies, tools and resources for law enforcement and people on the front lines.
Canada’s Counter-terrorism Strategy sets out how the Government as a whole organizes its efforts to prevent, detect, deny and respond to the threat of terrorism. The success of the Strategy relies on strong partnerships with experts in different fields, including the academic community. In support of the Government of Canada’s efforts under the Strategy to prevent individuals from engaging in terrorism, the Kanishka Project strives to create a vibrant network of scholars and students that will inform more effective policies for preventing and countering terrorism.
The fourth call for proposals through the Kanishka Project Contribution Program closed on April 15, 2013. Details about successful proposals are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The fifth call for proposals will close November 29, 2013.
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